ChristianMusicDaily

A Good Man Is Hard To Find Soundtrack features a lot of Gospel artists you already know and love: Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, Deitrick Haddon, Men of Standard, and more. So is this CD worth buying?

Let's take a look at the song line-up. Since this is a soundtrack, there's undoubtedly one or two songs from the film which are going to particularly reasonate with moviegoers, like "Hang On," a funky strut by The Soul Seekers, which, in the great tradition of black Soul music, is one that affirms a person's need to hang on despite the tough times. Since this is a Gospel CD, "Hang On" even references Job, the Bible character perhaps best known for enduring hardship. "Hang On" says to clap your hands, stomp your feet, etc., if you "love the Lord Jesus," and sure enough, this tune will instantly connect with a wide variety of folks who are going through some things they'd rather not be going through.

The notion of hanging on when it seems all hope is lost, whether it's because of a broken relationship, a crisis of faith, or whatever, is a recurring theme on this soundtrack. "I Won't Complain" is a song that acknowledges that we all go through good and bad times, and we don't have too much to really complain about. As sung by Deborah Cox, this song is quite moving. Ms. Cox also contributes to a re-make of Donnie McClurkin's "Stand," along with Erica Campbell (of Mary Mary) and DeJuan Turentine. While this trio should really sing the snot out of the song, sorry folks, it just doesn't "go there." For the definitive version of "Stand" stick with Donnie McClurkin's original version, and for another decent version, get BeBe Winans' -- "Stand" on the Good Man Is Hard To Find Soundtrack is a noble effort on the three singers' part, and it will probably connect with women who need a song to declare to themselves that they need to stand even when they feel like giving up and sitting down, but this particular version isn't all that.

For fans of Erica Campbell, she tears it up on "Until I Found The Lord." Now Mary Mary fans are gonna eat this particular track up. This is "church" music, complete with the breaking it down toward the end where the band goes into overdrive and you can expect people in the aisles will be jumpin', clappin', and maybe even fallin' down because this is like they used to do "old school," but made new for this era.

Erica's sister, Tina Campbell, brings a reggae/island flavor to the hot joint "Don't Waste Your Time." At times sounding a little bored or mechanical, Tina is still getting props for this one-- probably because the production by Warren "Baby Dubb" Campbell gives this song a great beat and musically this one will get you shaking your shoulders and put a smile on your face.

Does it seem like Mary Mary is all over this soundtrack? Sure does! The disc ends with their classic "Yesterday," a jazzy declaration that proclaims, "I decided I cried my last tear yesterday." This song is straight outta the 1970s, musically, and it sounds like "classic soul" that many, many people enjoy.

That 1970s soul vibe is also evident on "Don't Go Changing," by the always refreshing and often underrated singer, Deitrick Haddon.

Other artists on this soundtrack include Marvin Winans ("Just Don't Wanna Know"), Men of Standard with Kirk Franklin ("Latter Rain"), and Hezekiah Walker ("This Is The Day.")

Should you buy this CD? If you're a black woman between the ages of 18 and 45 who loves black Gospel music, loves the Lord, and wants a collection of songs you can put on in the car or the house that'll encourage you through your struggles, then the Good Man Is Hard To Find soundtrack is a must-have! --Mark Weber, ChristianMusicDaily.com